DAY TRIPPING Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens • South Deerfield, Massachusetts

Are you wanting to go on a tropical vacation but don't quite have the time or the budget? Check out Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. &emsp;Magic Wings opened in October of 2000 and consists of an 18,400-square-foot facility that includes an 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation. The sun shines through the glass walls and heats up the conservatory to an 80-degree tropical-like environment all year round. &emsp;After admission into Magic Wings, you will enter their exhibits and display area where butterfly videos are presented. Visitors can browse through the various exhibits showing the history and evolution of butterflies. There are also many glass cases housing all kinds of other insects and reptiles, such as beetles, stick insects, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, lizards, tree frogs and geckos. &emsp;Through the double doors lies the conservatory, where you can find anywhere between 3,000 to 4,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties. They come from all over the world, including places such as Central America, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Africa. The species vary depending on the time of year, but there are about a dozen different types at a time. &emsp;Magic Wings raises about 70% of the butterflies and imports the other 30% of them. &emsp;When you first enter the conservatory, you will see what they call the nursery window, which has foam boards on which they have pinned different butterfly chrysalis. You don't have to stand in front of that window too long before you are able to see an adult butterfly emerge. They hatch all day, every day, by the quarter hour. &emsp;There is a beautiful heart-shaped pond filled with brightly colored Japanese koi fish in the middle of the conservatory. There are paths throughout with benches and seats for resting and a large gazebo, as well. The sound of the waterfall, peaceful music and hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely through the air creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere. &emsp;Along with the butterflies, there are many other exotic creatures, such as Chinese button quails, Gouldian finches, a Senegal parrot, a tegu lizard, a blue-tongued skink and a couple of different species of tortoises. &emsp;Magic Wings hosts many events such as birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and company get-togethers, and it even provides justice of the peace for weddings. &emsp;The conservatory also grows and raises host plants for caterpillars and butterflies. They have dedicated areas and greenhouses around the property. If the weather permits, you can exit out of the building and check out their seasonal Iron Butterfly Outdoor Gardens. In the field, their gardens are filled with nectar flowers, which attract native butterflies. &emsp;If you are looking for a unique gift or special memory keepsake of your experience at Magic Wings, you will not need to look any further than the Magic Wings Gift Shop. You can find everything butterfly-themed and more. There are novelty and gift items, greeting cards, clothing, jewelry, educational books, toys for children of all ages and more. &emsp;Magic Wings also has a food court, so you can plan a day-long visit if you wish. Lunch is served daily with homemade soups, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads and beverages. There are several options available for visitors to sit and enjoy their meals or snacks: outside in the gardens if the weather permits, in the Art Gallery Cafe, or in the atrium. BOX:Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory 281 Greenfield RoadSouth Deerfield, MA 01373413-665-2805magicwings.com HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.